Connecting Heaven and Earth
Posted onContinues the in depth look at Jacob’s Dream.
This series of classes on the Parsha offers an eclectic selection of lectures on the weekly Torah portion spanning the introductory level to highly advanced in-depth studies of selected passages weaving interpretations from Early and Late Commentators as well as Chassidic and Mussar Masters.
In Parsha Journeys, Rabbi Teller presents the complete storyline of the first two chapters of each of the weekly parshiyot (Torah portions), in addition to insights into some of the more famous events discussed. In the Living The Parsaha series, Rebbetzin Smiles presents selected topics in the weekly Parsha, with a focus on character development. Early and Later Commentators, including excerpts from classical works produced by the Chassidic and Mussar Movements, are woven together to present a new insight into one’s life as an inspired Torah Jew In Chassidut on the Parsha, Rabbi H. Reichman synthesizes the comments of the Midrash, the Talmud, and Hasidic thought and connects them to contemporary life, applying the lessons of the Parsha to modern issues and challenges.
Continues the in depth look at Jacob’s Dream.
Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Bo. As the Jews left Egypt, they received gold, silver, and many valuables from the Egyptians. Mrs. Smiles explores this episode and its significance,and discusses the proper perspective to material possesions.
Shira Smiles speaks about how the stones were used as a protection, as well as the symbolism of the ladder.
Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Va-eira. The story of the Jews’ enslavement in Egypt can be seen through the lense of developing proper middot (character traits), especially that of hakarak hatov (gratitude).
In his discussion on this week’s parsha, Parshat Vaeira, Rabbi Reichman uses the interpretation of the Shem MiShmuel to explain a puzzling Midrash (Oral Torah explanation) regarding Moshe’s role in our redemption from slavery in Egypt.
Mrs. Shira Smiles explains how Yaakov placed the stones, and the symbolism of the argument between them.
In his discussion on this week’s parsha, Parshat Vaeira, Rabbi Hershel Reichman talks about how the Torah describes the increasing hardship of the slavery in Egypt in order to increase the Jewish People’s loyalty to G-d and their leader Moshe Rabbeinu.
In his discussion on this week’s parsha, Parshat Shemot, Rabbi Hershel Reichman presents a perplexing conversation in the Torah that takes place between G-d and Moshe Rabbeinu, by the burning bush. Rabbi Reichman uses the interpretation of the Shem Mishmuel to delve into the deeper meaning of the exchange.
Mrs. Shira Smiles talks about the theme of redemption.
Mrs. Smiles talks about Yaakov’s prayer to Hashem at night, which is the precedent for the Tefilla of Maariv.
Mrs. Shira Smiles talks about the fast day of the Tenth of Tevet, as well as the parsha for this week, Parshat Vayechi.
Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses this weeks parsha. Parshat Shemot presents the original exile of the Jewish People in Egypt and its precedence and purpose in our existence as a nation.
An analysis of the Torah’s topic of Jacob’s dream.
In discussing this week’s parsha, Parshat Vayechi, Rabbi Hershel Reichman speaks about the individual strengths of each of the Tribes of Israel and their beauty as a whole nation.
In this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses this week’s parsha, Parshat Vayigash. Rabbi Reichman teaches that Yosef’s greatness lies in his ability to be a perfect tzadik unbeknown to the outside world.
Mrs. Shira Smiles provides a discussion of the unfortunate incident of Shechem’s violation of Yaakov’s daughter, Dina.
Mrs. Shira Smiles addresses the many questions that arise concerning the episode of Rachel stealing the idols of her father Lavan as Yaakov flees Lavan’s home.
Continues the analysis of Jacob’s dream and discusses the lessons learned from every word in the first passuk of the Parsha.
Last installment of Akeidat Yitzchak class series, Expounds upon the topic of Akeidat Yitzchak.
Mrs. Shira Smiles expounds upon Parshat Toldot by delving into the message that Esav gives us.
An in-depth study of the topic of Yaakov’s dream of the ladder.
Mrs. Shira Smiles gives an analysis of the extraordinary episode of the search for Yitzchak’s wife, and a discussion of the lessons gleaned from this story for our personal lives.
In this class on Parshat Lech Lecha, Rabbi Herschel Reichman discusses how earth’s desire to reach the heavens, and heaven’s force in holding her back, is a spiritual reality that applies to our own lives as well.
Explains how the ending of the episode of Akeidat Yitzchak is actually a new beginning in his Avodat Hashem.
Mrs. Shira Smiles explores the episode of the angels’ promise to Avraham and Sarah that they will be blessed with a son. Shira Smiles clarifies this difficult-to-understand episode with both the classical understanding and with the novel approach of the Belzer Rebbe.
Discusses the meaning of Avraham’s ram.
Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the fact that G-d’s command to Avraham to travel to the Land of Israel was not simply a command to move physically. She discusses that this charge instead echoes to every Jew and commands each of us to embark on an inner journey of self-perfection.
Expounds upon the topic of Akeidat Yitzchak.
Discusses the angel’s call to Avraham to stop what he is doing and not to harm his son.
Discusses the poignant moments of Avraham actually performing the Akeida.